Utah recommendations

[Mtpisgah]

To be honest, I did assume OP had a 4 door. Gotta watch your ass end, but the longer wheelbase of a JT is a definite benefit on a lot of Moab trails.

The really short wheelbase of the two-door almost worries me as much as the long wheel base and tail end of my JT. Both have benefited and hurt me in the past.

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[Jeepeto]

The really short wheelbase of the two-door almost worries me as much as the long wheel base and tail. End of my JT. Both have benefited and heard me in the past.

In my experience the 2 doors are great out there, just take it easy on the big vertical climb “named” obstacles. I lifted axle on the Poison Spider “Launch Pad” in my 2 door but it was all I could do to get up it with no lockers, 6MT and factory gears. Other than that it did great, all the way up and through metal masher

 

[Turniipp]

Depending on where all you want to go, how hard you want to go, and how far you want to go, here are a few suggestions:

As previously mentioned, Moab is world-class and has everything, including crowds!

Also:

Toquerville Falls - Short drive from I-15, tons of trails, overnight camping

Transcontinental Railroad National Backcountry Byway - Easy, Long Drive once on trail, (8+ hours), trails, ghost towns, overnight camping

Pony Express Trail Hwy - Trails of all levels, hill climbs, close to SLC, Wild Horses

Utah - 84,899 square miles - large variety of terrains, mountains, public lands, trails, wildlife

My suggestion would be to figure out what you're interested in doing and then google it with Utah in your search. We have rock gardens, desert, waterfalls, national forests, world-class trails, etc..

I just rolled over 25,000 miles and my jeep is not my daily driver. Probably have 17,500 miles of off-road in Utah and I've probably explored 20% of Utah....albeit off-road!

 

[Jeepmojave85]

Thanks for all the info everyone! I’m going to go see the new guardians movie but I’ll reply later. Thinking we’ll probably go Moab for a night then drive to SLC the next day.

 

[Reinen]

Personally I'm not a big fan of Moab. Too much of a crowded off-road Disneyland for my tastes with conga lines on the trails. Primitive dispersed camping is also prohibited in much of the Moab area due to overuse, littering and human waste issues.

As an alternative to consider, check out TrailsOffroad.com. You will be driving past TONS of off-road trails from I-70 to SLC that you can have practically to yourself. So much so that you could be off-road nearly 90% of the way through Utah with primitive dispersed camping most of the way. TrailsOffroad.com will provide all the trail details you need and you can find any level of difficulty you want.

Just bring a lot of water and always keep fuel management in mind. It's possible to be 100 off-road miles from the nearest gas station in that area. It's true desert wilderness overlanding. And expect zero cell service. At best you may get 1-2 bars in particular places.

 

[Cyber_Jeeper]

The Moab suggestions are good. If you are wanting to off-road in Salt Lake itself there are a few options. Skyline Drive up Farmington canyon is easy, but very scenic. Five Mile Pass to the south west has a variety of difficulties. It’s lower in elevation and more desert like, with old mines surrounding it. American Fork canyon to the south has some pretty trails too. It’s higher up and has more mountains and trees.

 

[hoch]

You can pretty much drive any direction and you’ll have epic adventures.

Check out San Rafael Swells and/or Capital Reef. Looks like the newest episodes of the Story till Now on YouTube is all around these areas. Lots of places to explore.

White Rim is awesome as well.

 

[cOtter]

My wife are heading out to Utah at the end of June from Indiana for our 25th wedding anniversary trip. SO LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!!!!! 17 nights. 5 of which will be in Moab.

 

[GATORB8]

My wife are heading out to Utah at the end of June from Indiana for our 25th wedding anniversary trip. SO LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!!!!! 17 nights. 5 of which will be in Moab.

Just a heads up, our last trip, we hit Moab in the middle and decided mid week to stay an extra week. Sounds Epic!

Edit, not sure on your plans but we did Yellowstone to Sedona last fall over 5 weeks if it gives you any ideas. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...-off-road-camper-build-‘23-and-ejs-23.101937/

 

[Jeep4Win]

M to the O to the AB!!!

 

[GATORB8]

Thanks for all the info everyone! I’m going to go see the new guardians movie but I’ll reply later. Thinking we’ll probably go Moab for a night then drive to SLC the next day.

Hope you enjoyed the movie.

Heads up, we’re big country fans, and would easily skip prepaid DB tickets for an extra day or two in Moab.

 

[Jeepmojave85]

There definitely are if that's your preference. I haven't been, but White Wash Sand Dunes is a little further down 70.

Moab has plenty to be enjoyed in your Gladiator. Especially if you're newer to off roading, the Wrangler has a more forgiving departure angle, and the lockers give you a little forgiveness with the throttle control.

That’s good to know. I’m leaning the Mojave because we’re figuring out how we’re going to camp now. I don’t have a tent yet, thinking RTT. Easier on my truck than her Wrangler, the racks are cheaper for me.

I am debating the same thing for my fall trip. Drive my Mojave with 3” lift and 37s, or drive my wife’s JLR on 35s, no lift.
The Mojave would be a lot more comfortable driving from South Carolina, and it will have front lockers by then.

Nice! I’ll share how it goes, I think we’ll be taking the Mojave. How much is the front locker costing you? I’ve got 35’s and a 2” lift on mine.

Just a heads up, in case you haven’t been in a while. Top of the world is getting tougher these days, it’s beat up and much chunkier than it was just a few years ago. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it as an easy trail to get your feet wet. Fins n things is a fantastic suggestion still as it allows you to pick your level of difficulty through alternative lines the whole way through. Fun for the beginner and seasoned veteran alike.

I added fins to my list. I’ve heard too of the world has gotten bad.

To be honest, I did assume OP had a 4 door. Gotta watch your ass end, but the longer wheelbase of a JT is a definite benefit on a lot of Moab trails.

yes, 4 door 2023 Rubicon.

I agree, add to that Top of the World is comparatively remote.

Fins is definitely great for beginners, and really Hells is too. All the big bad stuff on HR is optional, just don't accidentally drive in Mickey's.

Chicken Corners, Onion Creek, and Willow Springs/Arches are pretty mellow and would give some room for the Mojave to enjoy at speed.

I’m adding those too.. thanks!

 

[Jeepmojave85]

Depending on where all you want to go, how hard you want to go, and how far you want to go, here are a few suggestions:

As previously mentioned, Moab is world-class and has everything, including crowds!

Also:

Toquerville Falls - Short drive from I-15, tons of trails, overnight camping

Transcontinental Railroad National Backcountry Byway - Easy, Long Drive once on trail, (8+ hours), trails, ghost towns, overnight camping

Pony Express Trail Hwy - Trails of all levels, hill climbs, close to SLC, Wild Horses

Utah - 84,899 square miles - large variety of terrains, mountains, public lands, trails, wildlife

My suggestion would be to figure out what you're interested in doing and then google it with Utah in your search. We have rock gardens, desert, waterfalls, national forests, world-class trails, etc..

I just rolled over 25,000 miles and my jeep is not my daily driver. Probably have 17,500 miles of off-road in Utah and I've probably explored 20% of Utah....albeit off-road!

Beautiful!! Wow! Now I almost wish I could stay longer lol! Thank you! I’m writing all of this down and doing Google searches on where it’s all located.

 

[Jeepmojave85]

Personally I'm not a big fan of Moab. Too much of a crowded off-road Disneyland for my tastes with conga lines on the trails. Primitive dispersed camping is also prohibited in much of the Moab area due to overuse, littering and human waste issues.

As an alternative to consider, check out TrailsOffroad.com. You will be driving past TONS of off-road trails from I-70 to SLC that you can have practically to yourself. So much so that you could be off-road nearly 90% of the way through Utah with primitive dispersed camping most of the way. TrailsOffroad.com will provide all the trail details you need and you can find any level of difficulty you want.

Just bring a lot of water and always keep fuel management in mind. It's possible to be 100 off-road miles from the nearest gas station in that area. It's true desert wilderness overlanding. And expect zero cell service. At best you may get 1-2 bars in particular places.

Yeah, we have that issue in Colorado as well, too many people. I’ve never been to Moab before though so I gotta at least got up arches national park and the surrounding areas at least once.

 

[Jeepmojave85]

You can pretty much drive any direction and you’ll have epic adventures.

Check out San Rafael Swells and/or Capital Reef. Looks like the newest episodes of the Story till Now on YouTube is all around these areas. Lots of places to explore.

White Rim is awesome as well.

This is on our way to SLC and on the list now! Thank you!! This is gorgeous.

My wife are heading out to Utah at the end of June from Indiana for our 25th wedding anniversary trip. SO LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!!!!! 17 nights. 5 of which will be in Moab.

Amazing! Share your trip here!

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